Apple Business Manager: Complete Setup & Management Guide (Easy)

Apple Business Manager made simple. Learn how to set up devices, manage users, and streamline IT workflows with this step-by-step guide.

Apple Business Manager is a web-based platform that helps businesses deploy, manage, and secure Apple devices at scale. It centralizes employee access, app distribution, and device setup, making Apple fleet management far simpler and more secure.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to manage multiple Apple devices across your business? Whether you’re onboarding new employees, maintaining device security, or deploying apps, doing everything manually can be a huge time sink. That’s where Apple Business Manager comes in—your streamlined hub to manage all Apple hardware, accounts, and apps in one place.

At its core, Apple Business Manager (ABM) is a web-based management portal that centralizes and automates Apple device deployment. It works alongside your Mobile Device Management (MDM) system, making device setup easier, faster, and more secure.

Let’s break it down clearly and simply so you can use it like a pro.

What Is Apple Business Manager? 🍏

Apple Business Manager is Apple’s official platform for managing devices, apps, and user access across an organization. Think of it as mission control for your company’s Apple ecosystem.

It allows IT teams to automate device configuration, create managed Apple IDs, assign apps, and control data security—all from a single dashboard. Instead of manually setting up each device, ABM helps you configure everything before the device is even unboxed.

This means employees get devices that are ready to use right away—no tech headaches, no complicated setup screens.

Why Businesses Use Apple Business Manager

Companies choose ABM because it saves time, reduces mistakes, and improves security. Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, centralizing device oversight makes operations smoother.

Key benefits include:

• Automated device onboarding
• Centralized user and app access control
• Strong security and compliance support
• Easy scaling for growing teams

In short: less manual labor and more consistency across all devices and users ✅.

Who Should Use Apple Business Manager? 🧑‍💼

ABM is designed for organizations of any size that use Apple devices for work. This includes:

• Small businesses
• Startups
• Schools and universities
• Mid-sized companies
• Large enterprises

If you manage more than a handful of Apple devices, ABM will make your life easier—especially when onboarding new employees or deploying new hardware.

Apple Business Manager vs Apple School Manager

Both platforms are nearly identical in structure, but their intended users differ. Apple Business Manager is for companies. Apple School Manager is for educational institutions.

Platform	Best For	Main Features	Managed Apple IDs
Apple Business Manager	Companies and organizations	Device deployment, app distribution, security management	For employees
Apple School Manager	Schools and educational systems	Classroom management, student data protection	For students & educators

How Apple Business Manager Works 🔧

ABM works in combination with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. ABM assigns devices and apps; the MDM pushes configurations and policies to those devices.

Here’s the workflow:

1. Buy devices from Apple or authorized resellers.
2. Devices automatically show up in your ABM dashboard.
3. Assign devices to your MDM solution.
4. MDM sends security rules, Wi-Fi settings, and apps to the devices.
5. Employees open the box and start working instantly.

No more time-consuming manual setup screens.

Requirements To Use Apple Business Manager

Before you start using ABM, you need:

• An Apple Business Manager account
• An MDM solution (such as Jamf, Kandji, Mosyle, or Intune)
• Ownership of the Apple devices you’re managing
• Verified business information for Apple account creation

Once verified, you can begin adding devices and creating managed Apple IDs.

How To Sign Up For Apple Business Manager ✨

Signing up is a simple process, but you’ll need to verify your business details with Apple.

Steps:

1. Go to the Apple Business Manager website.
2. Sign in with a company email (not a personal Apple ID).
3. Enter your business details and D-U-N-S number.
4. Submit and wait for verification.

This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Setting Up Managed Apple IDs 👥

Managed Apple IDs let employees sign in to Apple services controlled by your organization. These accounts are separate from personal Apple IDs and give IT admins full control.

Managed Apple IDs allow:

• App and service access
• Password resets by admins
• Account deactivation when employees leave

They do not allow:

• Personal iCloud storage
• Personal purchases in the App Store

This separation helps protect company data.

Enrolling Devices Automatically (Zero-Touch Deployment) 🚚

One of ABM’s most powerful features is Automated Device Enrollment. It allows new devices to be configured instantly when turned on.

How it benefits you:

• No IT intervention needed
• Prevents device removal from management
• Ensures consistent setup across all devices

Imagine shipping a MacBook to a remote employee and having it ready to use upon unboxing—this is that.

Integrating Apple Business Manager With Your MDM

ABM does not replace your MDM. Instead, they work together.

Apple Business Manager	Mobile Device Management
Assigns devices & apps	Applies policies & settings
Creates user access	Manages daily security controls
Syncs purchase history	Deploys apps and system configs

Pairing both systems ensures complete control and security compliance.

Buying Apps And Licenses Through ABM 💳

With ABM, you can buy apps in bulk and assign them to employees without requiring personal Apple IDs.

Benefits:

• Centralized purchase management
• Reclaim licenses from former employees
• Easier budgeting and compliance

You can also deploy custom in-house apps securely.

Managing Security And Compliance 🔐

Security is where ABM shines. It enforces standards across all devices so there’s no accidental exposure of sensitive company information.

Core security features:

• Remote lock and erase
• Role-based admin permissions
• Device encryption enforcement
• Restriction of unauthorized app installs

This keeps your fleet clean, compliant, and protected.

Common Apple Business Manager Mistakes To Avoid ⚠️

Even experienced IT teams make a few common errors when learning ABM.

• Using personal Apple IDs instead of managed ones
• Forgetting to link ABM to an MDM service
• Not enabling Automated Device Enrollment
• Buying devices from non-verified resellers

Avoid these to maintain clean device control.

Example Apple Business Manager Deployment Setup (Simple Breakdown)

Below is a sample workflow to help visualize how the system works from order to deployment.

Step	Task	Responsible Person
1	Order Apple devices	Procurement
2	Devices auto-appear in ABM	Apple
3	Assign devices to MDM	IT Admin
4	Configure security & app profiles	MDM Admin
5	Employee opens device and logs in	Employee

Best Practices For Smooth Apple Device Management 🌟

To keep your operations running smoothly, follow these best practices:

• Always use Managed Apple IDs, not personal ones
• Assign every device to your MDM system
• Keep app licenses centralized in ABM
• Train employees on basic device security

Consistency is key to scalable management.

Final Thoughts: Why ABM Is A Game-Changer

Apple Business Manager transforms how organizations deploy and manage Apple devices. It saves time, improves security, and ensures every employee starts with a device that just works. If your business relies on Apple products, ABM isn’t just useful—it’s essential.

FAQs

How do I enroll my business in Apple Business Manager?
Go to the Apple Business Manager site, sign up with a company email address, and verify your business details. Apple may request supporting documents. Once approved, you can begin device enrollment.

Can I use Apple Business Manager without an MDM?
You can create accounts and assign apps, but device control is limited. To automate setup and enforce security, an MDM is required. ABM and MDM work together.

Do employees need to use Managed Apple IDs?
Yes, for proper business control and security. Managed Apple IDs allow password resets and prevent data loss when employees leave. Personal Apple IDs should not be used.

Does Apple Business Manager cost money?
No, ABM is free to use. However, you may pay for an MDM platform. Costs vary depending on your chosen provider.

What devices can be managed with ABM?
You can manage iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, iMacs, Apple TVs, and more. As long as devices are purchased from approved resellers, they can be assigned to your organization.